FAQ about CIV & the Zippivet Vaccine Events

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is an influenza virus infection similar to the ones we sometimes see in pigs, birds, horses, and even people. There are currently two strains of influenza known to infect dogs.

Much like the flu in people, many dogs get infected with and then get better from CIV with no real problems. Unfortunately, also like the flu in people, it can be very dangerous to older dogs, young dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of CIV?

The symptoms of CIV in mild cases are very similar to those of canine cough, and include:

Fever

Cough

Clear nasal discharge

Lethargy

CIV can often create opportunity for secondary bacterial infections, which can cause yellow or green nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and can escalate to pneumonia and even death.

Is it transmissible to humans?

In its current form, canine influenza virus is not.

Is there CIV in Austin?

To date, there has been one confirmed case of CIV in Travis County. Thirteen cases in Texas have been confirmed, with most of those being in the Houston area.

How dangerous is CIV?

CIV can have a wide variety of impact on dogs. Some dogs (about 20 percent) who are exposed to it show no symptoms at all. Other dogs can have a cough and fever that persists despite treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants.

Most dogs get over the virus in two to three weeks.

CIV becomes most dangerous when it allows for secondary bacterial infections to occur while the dog’s immune system is weak. The most dangerous of these is pneumonia. There have been fatal cases of pneumonia resulting from CIV infection. Again, as with any illness, CIV is most dangerous to old and young dogs, as well as dogs whose immune systems are compromised.

What made Taurus decide to require a vaccine?

Since we have been in business, Taurus has had a close-knit group of veterinary advisors to whom we turn to help us make strategic decisions about health and safety. We’ve had an ongoing conversation about CIV, watching it develop and take shape. Together, we’ve decided that CIV has become a realistic enough threat that we need to take action to protect our clients from it.

Though there’s only been one case in our County, we know that the highest risk places for any type of illness are places where dogs congregate, like dog parks, day cares, and grooming salons. Because of this, we view it as our responsibility to take great measures in order to ensure that our populations stay safe. This is why we have decided to require the vaccination.

We strongly recommend that you begin the vaccination process as soon as possible, as there is an initial vaccination followed by a booster two to four weeks later. Please ask your veterinarian about the bivalent vaccine, which protects against both strains of canine influenza.

What are the discounted options being offered by Zippivet?

Option 1:

Vaccination clinics will be held at our Burnet Location on October 8th and 22nd.

Option 2:

Zippivet will be available to vaccinate dogs staying at Bark&Zoom on October 12th and 26th, from 9AM to Noon.

Option 3:

Mention that you are a Taurus client at any Zippivet location to receive the discounted rates.

Zippivet is offering the Bivalent Canine Influenza Vaccine at $35 per visit. They are also waiving their exam fees!

Do I need to do anything to receive these discounts/ prior to visiting?

Yes. Before attending our clinic at the Burnet location, you will need to register through Zippivet. Instructions can be found here.

To register to receive the vaccination during a Play Day at Bark & Zoom, simply call or email the facility and let them know you'd like to receive the vaccine on the 12th or the 26th. They'll let you know if any other steps need to be taken.

All known or suspected vaccine reactors will be required to receive an injection of Benadryl 15 minutes prior to vaccination to prevent a vaccine reaction.

Zippivet strongly encourages pets with known vaccine reactions to have any vaccines administered at a veterinary facility due to the potential risk of a severe vaccine reaction.

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